What Does Garage Spring Repair Cost?

One of the most common garage door services is garage spring repair. According to Angi, replacing a spring can cost between $150 and $350, including materials and labor. If additional repairs are required, you may spend up to $500. A double door generally costs an extra $15 to $30 per spring.1 

Garage doors have two springs—one on each side. It’s best to replace both simultaneously, even if only one has gone bad. It’ll help maintain the door’s balance, and you’ll likely save by having both replaced in the same visit (rather than requiring a technician to return when the second spring fails).

How Is the Cost of Garage Spring Repair Calculated?

A few factors impact how the cost of garage door spring repair is determined. Ask for a breakdown of the costs when you receive a quote. You can’t typically repair a spring; the entire piece must be replaced, but the part isn’t the only thing you pay for. The garage spring repair replacement cost includes the following:

  • Materials: A set of two springs for a double garage door usually costs between $60 and $150.2 Brackets and other hardware costs extra. Your garage door repair technician will explain all the parts and materials you need, plus their costs.
  • Labor: Garage door repair professionals may charge $75 to $150 for the service call.2 The hourly rate varies with each contractor. Replacing garage door springs usually takes about one to two hours.
  • Garage Door Type: The type of springs needed depends on the garage door you have. Sectional garage doors (the most common in U.S. homes) and tilt-up garage doors use extension springs. However, a roll-up garage door uses torsion springs that are more expensive to replace. These are more often used in commercial settings.
  • Spring Type: Extension springs usually cost $50 to $100 each with labor. Torsion springs cost $75 to $150 to replace. A heavy-duty door may use commercial-grade springs, which cost $100 to $500 just for parts; labor can add an extra $150 to $300.1
  • Location: The cost of garage spring repair can vary by region. That’s because garage door contractors face different levels of supply and demand, which influence prices. Generally, repairs cost more in urban areas with a higher cost of living, but if a technician must travel long distances in a rural area, they may charge extra for the trip.

Other Cost Factors

The urgency of the situation can significantly affect the garage spring repair cost. Emergency garage door repair contractors can send someone to your home any time, day or night. However, off-hours service will cost extra.

If replacing springs and cables together, expect to pay $175 to $450. Replacing cables involves a bit of labor, which can cost you between $75 and $200.1 If different jobs are performed in the same visit, the repair technician may give you a discount.

Switching spring types costs more than installing the same kind of spring you had. For example, switching from extension to torsion springs costs $400 to $800. The technician will remove all the old spring parts on your garage door and install a new system. You can also hire a contractor to tune up your garage door springs; this type of maintenance costs around $50 to $150.1

When Should I Call for Garage Spring Repair?

If a garage door spring breaks suddenly, you’ll hear a loud bang and there’ll be no question you need to call a professional. But the issue often starts more subtly. Knowing the signs a spring is failing can prompt you to hire someone to fix it before there’s a bigger problem. These include:

  • The Garage Door Is Squeaking: A squeaking sound is often caused by metal parts rubbing together, which increases wear. You may need to clean or lubricate the spring. But if there’s a worn-out spring, frayed cable, or bent track, call for help.
  • Garage Springs Appear Rusty: Moisture can cause a garage door spring to rust and deteriorate. Rust can be prevented with a silicone or lithium-based lubricant. Lubricate springs more often in coastal or other high-humidity climates.
  • The Door Isn’t Working Right: If the door is crooked, won’t stay open, or crashes down, the springs are likely broken. Other signs include the door not opening when the motor runs. The door may also move more slowly than usual, while a spring with a visible gap must be replaced right away.

Request Garage Spring Repair from a Professional

At Mesa Garage Doors, we provide garage spring repair for most makes and models of garage doors. All springs eventually break. Our skilled technicians select the correct-sized springs to maximize their operating life. But when you need new springs or any other type of garage door repair in Southern California, call us at (714) 559-3696.

Source:

https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-should-garage-door-spring-replacement-cost.htm 

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/garage-door-spring-replacement-cost/

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Why a Wood Gate Is a Good Investment

Not every homeowner realizes a wood gate can be a good investment. Wood offers a classic look, but its reputation often doesn’t top other materials. However, the common belief that wood is weaker and less durable than steel isn’t correct. Wood gates from Mesa Garage Doors offer many benefits. If you’re still deciding what type of gate to install, here are a few reasons a wooden gate can be a worthwhile investment.

Wood Is a Cost-Effective Solution

In general, timber costs less than metal. You’ll pay more for higher-quality timber and for regular maintenance, such as coating it to prevent rot and discoloration. However, the lower cost of wood makes it more cost-effective upfront.

Wood Gates Are Damage-Resistant

Despite the common belief, wood is not weak. It tolerates the elements quite well. In medieval times, shields were made out of wood and protected people in battle against steel and iron weapons. A gate made out of wood can certainly hold up in windy weather and with repeated use. Wood is also more resistant to dents, scratches, and dings compared to steel, aluminum, or plastic.

The Aesthetics Are Unbeatable

Wooden gates have remained fashionable for a long time. They come in many different styles. A traditional style is the five-bar gate, which is often found on farms and properties with farm-inspired designs. Wood security gates can be streamlined and attractive while providing a strong barrier against any threats. When any wood gate is properly maintained, it will withstand the test of time and can even look better with age.

Wooden Gates Are Highly Secure

Wood gates can provide effective security for homes and businesses. Higher gates, reinforcements, and durable locking systems can increase security even more. A sturdy gate is an effective deterrent and difficult to break down. Therefore, wooden gates can increase the amount of protection whether used for a front, side, or back entrance or even an equipment storage area.

The Functionality Beats Anything Else

The versatility of wooden gates enables them to be cut to any size or shape. Therefore, a gate can fit any opening. Whether you intend to boost security, increase privacy, or look professional, a wood gate is a good investment. A gate installer can craft the product to meet your requirements, whether the gate is for a large front entrance or an entry point along a perimeter fence. Small gates can also be created to separate parts of your garden.

A Wood Gate Is Easy to Repair

Metal and plastic gates can be challenging to fix. Doing so requires a higher level of expertise than repairing a timber gate. The materials required to repair wood are less expensive. Someone experienced in repairing timber can restore your gate in no time.

Using Wood Helps Protect the Environment

Wood is a renewable resource and producing wood gates requires fewer fossil fuels. It is far more sustainable than using metal. Therefore, if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, a wooden gate can be a good investment for your home or business.

As you can see, investing in a wood gate can improve the function, appearance, and security of your property. Combined with other benefits, it can also boost property value.

Order a Custom Wood Gate from Mesa Garage Doors

Produced exclusively in our Southern California wood shop, our custom wood gates can be crafted for driveways and entryways. We use the finest materials to bring your vision to life; elegance and function are our top design priorities. Whether it’s a driveway gate or a pedestrian gate, you can expect the highest quality product that’s strong, durable, and secure. Speak to one of our friendly representatives and discuss your ideas by calling (714) 497-1952 today.

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8 Risks of Putting Off Garage Door Repair

Putting off garage door repair creates far too many risks. Many homeowners believe a small issue can wait, hoping it won’t get worse. But if you delay fixing it, larger problems are almost certain. We’ll look at eight risks of putting off repairs that include your garage, vehicle, and entire home.

1. Increased Costs

The average garage door repair costs $254.1 

Therefore, spending money to repair a garage door can save you a lot later. Replacing a worn cable or chain can cost as little as $100, while springs cost about $180 to $350 to fix, including labor.1 However, some garage doors can cost thousands of dollars to replace. 

A neglected garage door can also fail and cause additional damage, so you could end up paying the cost of replacing a garage door opener and valuables that get stuck under, impacted by, or crushed by broken components.

2. Break-ins and Thefts

If your garage door doesn’t lock or close properly, your home is vulnerable to a break-in or theft. Burglars and uninvited guests often simply walk through a poorly secured door. Many times, someone is at home during a break-in, unaware an uninvited guest has entered until it’s too late. Confronting an intruder is often a dangerous encounter. Therefore, a garage door repair can improve the security of you and your entire family.

3. Injuries

Having your garage door fixed is a personal safety matter. A rusted or broken spring may not look like a big issue. But the extra load on the second spring will cause it to fail, too. Garage door springs break with incredible force and can fling sharp heavy objects around the room. Being hit by one can cause serious injuries or be fatal. A worn spring or any other type of garage door damage is not something you can wait on.

4. Vehicle Damage

A broken garage door component can land or bounce off your car, truck, or SUV and cause costly collateral damage. Think of what can happen if it hits a window and someone inside is struck by flying glass, a metal spring, or a splintered part of your garage door. Or, the entire door can fail and 400 pounds of debris can come crashing down on the vehicle. That can mean spending thousands of dollars more in repairs on top of replacing your garage door.

5. More Garage Door Problems

A worn spring, cable, roller, or any other part will increase the load on other components. Therefore, putting off garage door repair can lead to damage that could have been avoided. Other issues are related to aesthetics. Neglected garage doors usually look the part; they may open or close unevenly, have cracked panels, look rusted, or have dents, dings, and scratches.

6. Inconveniences

The ability to open or close your garage door whenever you come or go is convenient. Automatic garage doors will respond to your every command. But it’s rather inconvenient when you have to leave your car and follow the steps to open it manually. That’s not what you paid your hard-earned money for. The frustration can be worse in bad weather or if you’re already late to work or an appointment.

7. Reduced Property Value

A home is the biggest investment most people ever make. It stands to reason you should take care of it. The garage door is also the largest moving part of your home. Dealing with persistent issues isn’t going to help get much personal value out of your property. The resale value of your home may also decrease if your garage door is in disrepair.

8. Stress and Hardship

You should have your garage door repaired simply because it’s the right thing to do. Knowing the risks of letting it go, scheduling a professional repair should give you some peace of mind. Garage door problems don’t get better by themselves (they’ll only get worse) and a small issue is often a sign of something worse. Investing in small repairs and maintenance can save you many hassles and headaches later.

Schedule Garage Door Repair Today

Mesa Garage Doors repairs most makes and models and can fix garage door springs, cables, rollers, panels, and garage door openers. If your garage door is stuck or off the track, we can fix that too. Our technicians complete most repairs quickly and have helped customers throughout Southern California in emergencies and other precarious situations. To request a garage door repair, receive an estimate, or learn about discounts, call (714) 559-3696 today.

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8 Ways to Make Your Garage Door Last Longer

You can make your garage door last longer despite frequent use and wear and tear. Maintenance and usage habits are critical variables. A garage door can last up to 30 years when well cared for. Otherwise, its life can be significantly shorter. Here are eight ways to extend the lifespan of your new garage door.

1. Inspect the Garage Door System Regularly

Closely inspect your garage door system at least twice a year. As you do, check for worn springs, cables, pulleys, screws, rollers, and other hardware. Tighten nuts, bolts, and screws as necessary. But if any parts look worn, warped, or cracked or a spring or cable is frayed or broken, call a professional to address it (handling high-tension components yourself is dangerous and can result in injury or death).

2. Use the Door Only As Needed

The more you operate your garage door, the faster parts will wear out. Garage doors last for a finite number of cycles. Only use the door if you’re working in your garage or if you’re exiting or returning with your car. And don’t let children open and close it for fun. If you have an older garage door, try to use it sparingly to get more time out of it.

3. Test the Garage Door’s Balance

To test the balance, pull the garage door opener’s release handle. Then, open the door manually. Lift it halfway to see whether it stays in place. If so, it is properly balanced. But if it falls, the system is imbalanced and you’ll need a technician to adjust or repair it. Maintaining the system’s balance reduces strain on the garage door opener and can prevent damage.

4. Test the Auto Reverse Function

Your garage door has an important safety feature that allows it to stop and automatically reverse if something’s in the way. To test this function, place an object in the door’s path and use the controller to close it. If the door doesn’t reverse, check the sensors and clean them if necessary. They may also need to be aligned. Check the owner’s manual for how to do this or call a technician for help. 

If the auto-reverse isn’t working, there’s a risk of property damage, injuries, or damage to the garage door that would warrant replacing it. 

5. Examine the Weatherstripping

A weatherstrip is a barrier that keeps water, ice, and dirt out of your garage. Poor weatherstripping can leave your garage door vulnerable to water damage, rusting, and other weather-related damage. Replacing this rubber strip is a simple task. But ensure it fits perfectly so it can help make your garage door last longer.

6. Clean the Tracks

Even a small amount of dust or debris in the tracks can strain the garage door. Spider webs and small animal nests can also cause problems. Gently brush or sweep them out. But don’t use water or cleaning chemicals, which can cause damage.

7. Wash Garage Door Panels

Neglecting to clean garage door panels can lead to corrosion and decay. Wash them with an all-purpose cleaner to remove as much dirt as possible, and then rinse them with water. You can also mix mild detergent and water and wipe the panels using a soft cloth or sponge. Your garage door won’t only look fresher. It will be protected and can last longer. Also, consider repainting it if the coating is chipped or faded.

8. Schedule Repairs As Needed

Many homeowners delay garage door repairs due to the cost. But the longer you wait, the more likely a repair issue can shorten the lifespan of your garage door. It also risks being injured by a broken part or a door that falls to the ground. Prompt repairs can avoid incidents and make your garage door last longer.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors Today

We install all types of residential garage doors in Southern California. Our trained technicians also provide garage door repair and maintenance services that can extend the system’s operating life. A variety of warranty options are available through our partners. For additional information on how to use and maintain your system, continue browsing our resources, and for service or more advice on how to make your garage door last longer, call 714-947-4528 today.

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Tips to Enhance Your Home with a New Garage Door

A new garage door can enhance your home in many ways. But it pays to carefully consider your options. According to a 2023 report by Remodeling Magazine, garage door replacement can yield a return on investment (ROI) of 102.7%, resulting in a profit when selling your home.1 Here’s how to enhance your home with a new garage door (with a little help from Mesa Garage Doors) to get as much out of it as possible.

Match It with the Style of Your Home

The more your new garage door accommodates the style of your home, the more value it will have. Wood carriage house or steel doors are best suited for Colonial and Victorian homes. They’re often found with prominent handles, iron hinges, and other decorative hardware. 

Modern garage doors with stained wood or pebble glass are suited for modern- or contemporary-style homes. Double-hung wood windows are an attractive option for garage doors installed in Craftsman homes. Simply changing the color, material, or design can enhance the look of your home’s exterior.

Restore the Structure’s Original Look

A garage door takes up a lot of space on the front facade, so a worn unit doesn’t help curb appeal. If you have an older home, find out what the original garage door looked like. Or, if the door is showing its age, determine how it was when new. Its replacement can feature a material, paint color, or finish that restores the property to its former glory.

Choose a Color Carefully

The color of your garage door, front door, and house can match, but they don’t have to. If your front door is blue, yellow, or red, a gray garage door is a good match. But any garage door should be a uniform color or it may look dated. The most common colors include:

  • White: Gives a garage door a bright look that many homeowners seek.
  • Soft Gray: A neutral soft shade that blends in with many colors of bricks.
  • Dark Gray/Black: Goes well with a black window trim, while deep black-blue is a trendy alternative.
  • Taupe or Beige: If your bricks are in this color family, choose the same for your garage door.
  • Walnut Brown: A great choice if you like warmer tones; it can also make a door look like higher-end wood.

Add Windows to Your Garage Door

Windows are a popular option on garage doors. They’re welcoming and inviting (on the outside and inside). Plus, they allow natural light in, which is great if you use your garage for storage or as a workshop. You’ll also use less energy on artificial light.

There are lots of options for decorative glass. Many homeowners choose clear glass for their garage doors. Tempered glass is common, as it’s impact-resistant. Tinted, frosted, or mirrored glass are also among the many choices available. 

Make It More Energy Efficient

A well-insulated garage door can help improve home comfort. Foam insulation is more effective than fiberglass or cellulose. Look for insulation with an R-value of 10 or higher for an attached garage. Many garage doors are prefabricated with a layer of insulation.

Even if you’re refurbishing an old garage door, you can replace the weather seal (or make sure your installer provides sealing). Weatherstripping is easy to install and has many benefits. It keeps out drafts and prevents dust, moisture, and pests from getting into your garage.

Update the Keypad

The keypad is a small but important feature. It allows you to enter the garage without a key or remote and improves home security. We advise sharing the code with only authorized visitors. 

Modern keypads are sleek and often futuristic. Some can be integrated with smart home systems to automatically turn lights on when you enter or off when you leave. Depending on the model, you can monitor your garage door from a smartphone.

We Can Help Enhance Your Home with a New Garage Door

Mesa Garage Doors is the #1 garage door company in Southern California. Our factory-trained installers can help you select your home’s best material, color, and options.  They also install traditional, classic, and modern garage doors that accommodate one or multiple cars. We’ll even beat the advertised price of a licensed competitor. To receive a new garage door estimate and get started with enhancing your home, call 714-503-8822 or contact us online.

Source:

https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2023/

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What’s the Cost of Garage Door Installation?

Installing a new garage door isn’t cheap. However, the cost can be offset by increases in energy efficiency and home resale value. Curb appeal is also a factor whether you opt for metal or custom wood garage door installation. But for most homeowners, the upfront cost of a new garage door is the most pressing concern.

According to Forbes, the national average cost of garage door installation is about $1,200, including labor (as of spring 2023). The exact price can range from $260 to $2,300.1 Why does the cost of garage doors vary so much? The reason is—that many factors affect the price you pay. We’ll look at a few of these below:

Garage Door Size

The size of a garage door is usually not optional, like other cost factors. You must choose a unit that fits the space. A single-car garage door typically measures 8 x 7 feet and costs $400 to $900. A double-car garage door measures 16 x 7 feet and costs $650 to $3,600.1

Meanwhile, the number of doors increases costs. A single door is usually in the $600 to $1,500 range. But a double-door configuration can range from $800 to $3,500. Custom-sized and configured doors will cost even more.1

Type of Garage Door

Homeowners in Southern California have many types of garage doors to choose from. Each comes at a different price point. The most common door types include:

  • Sectional (Start at $700)1: The most popular type, sectional garage doors consist of horizontal panels connected by hinges. This design allows them to roll up along the ceiling.
  • Roll-Up (Start at $650)1: Roll-up garage doors open similar to a window blind. Expect to pay more for labor to install them. A glass roll-up door can cost $3,800 to install.2
  • Single-Panel (Start at $400)1: A single-piece garage door that slides up to open, without bending or curving.
  • Swing-Out/Sliding (Start at $1,000)1: A swing-out garage door is a two-piece system that opens like standard doors. Sliding models rest against garage walls when open.
  • Carriage ($1,000 to $10,000): Carriage garage doors provide a classic style used since the era of horse-drawn carriages. They’re now a luxury option, often made of wood with glass windows.

Material

Steel garage doors are extremely common. They cost between $450 and $1,500 on average. While long-lasting, they are prone to rusting in a rainy climate. You can avoid rusting and benefit from improved insulation with aluminum doors, but they can cost $500 to $2,000 to install.1

Wood is also a popular garage door material; it’s easy to customize but pricey. Installation can cost well over $1,000, and regular maintenance is a must. A low-maintenance alternative, composite doors are well insulating and generally less costly; they can start at $750. 

Tempered glass typically adds to the cost of an aluminum or wooden door, but lacks insulation and adds weight (although natural light can boost energy efficiency). However, if you like the appearance of wood and low maintenance, fiberglass and vinyl garage doors cost around $800 to $2,000. 1

Options/Add-Ons

Insulation can improve energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer. Depending on the insulation type (polystyrene, polyurethane, or fiberglass), it can add $50 to $500 to the cost of garage door installation. Windows can be an attractive upgrade, but you’ll pay roughly $1,600 more for a new garage door with glass windows.1

Location

If the cost of materials is higher in your area, installing a garage door will be more expensive. Higher demand for garage door installation also increases costs. You’ll also pay more if you reside in a city with a higher cost of living.

Additional Garage Door Installation Cost Factors

Labor is a significant cost factor; expect to spend $200 to $500 per door just for installation. If you have an automatic door installed, you’ll need an electrician to run the wiring, which costs about $75 per hour. Overall, making a door automatic can add up to $1,300 to the project cost (manual garage doors cost from $600 to $2,150).2 Accessories such as keypads, lights, security sensors, and others will also add to the total price.

Call for Your Garage Door Installation Estimate

We install many brands and types of garage doors and garage door openers in homes across Southern California. At Mesa Garage Doors, our installers are factory-trained, so you can expect the highest quality service. We also install custom wood garage doors, entry doors, and wood gates. To schedule your free new door or repair estimate, contact us online or call 714-415-2657.

Sources:

  1. https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/garage/garage-door-installation-cost/ 
  2. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/home-finances/reviews/garage-door-cost
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7 Most Common Garage Door Repairs

Any garage door, no matter how well-maintained it is, will eventually need repairs. There are lots of heavy moving parts that can wear out and get damaged. Familiar with the most common issues, Mesa Garage Doors provides all types of garage door repairs in Los Angeles. Here’s a look at seven common repairs our technicians perform.

1. Broken Spring Replacement

A broken garage door spring is one of the most common issues we’re called out to fix. Almost every garage door will have a broken spring during its lifetime. Most extension springs last about 10,000 cycles, and torsion springs last about 15,000 cycles. When a garage door spring breaks, the door cannot be operated and must be repaired to restore function and safety.

2. Damaged Cable Replacement

Garage door cables work along with springs to handle the door’s weight. A cable is strained every time you open or close the garage door, eventually weakening it and causing the cable to break. Call a technician if your garage door hangs unevenly on the tracks or gets stuck part-way. A broken garage door cable can be dangerous, so call for help immediately.

3. Track Repair or Replacement

The garage door puts pressure on the tracks as it operates. A sign of a damaged track is when the door won’t open or close smoothly. If the garage door gets stuck, hesitates, or is extremely noisy, call a professional. A bent track may be repaired on-site. A contractor may also recommend replacing a damaged or broken track to ensure the system works properly. 

4. Garage Door Panel Replacement

A garage door panel can be damaged by small impacts. Even a basketball or hockey puck can cause unsightly dents and dings. Accidentally hitting the door with your car can render it inoperable. That doesn’t always mean it’s time to buy a new one. On most garage doors, the panels can be replaced if the system is in relatively good shape. Replacing a panel costs less than replacing the entire door.

5. Safety Sensor Realignment/Repair

Safety sensors reverse a garage door if an object is in the way. But if a sensor is misaligned or malfunctions, the door may stop, get stuck, or reverse even if no people or objects are present. We recommend having the sensors checked by a professional to determine how to fix them. Even a simple realignment can be risky to fix yourself; getting it wrong can affect how the sensors work or damage them.

6. Roller Replacement

The rollers allow the garage door to run smoothly along the tracks. Wear and tear can take a toll over time, causing the garage door to shutter or squeak when you open or close it. A technician can replace warped or damaged rollers to restore smooth operation.

7. Broken Garage Door Drums

Garage door drums don’t break as often as other parts. But these metal wheels are needed to roll the garage door cables. Located in the upper corners of the doorframe, they can be hard to access. For a professional, replacing them is straightforward. New ones should last a while before wear and tear start to affect them.

When to Call a Garage Door Repair Professional

Your garage door can last up to 30 years if kept in good repair. But regular maintenance is essential and includes calling for help whenever you notice the garage door isn’t operating as it should. If it makes more noise than usual, stops and reverses, seems imbalanced, or any part appears worn or damaged, call a repair company as soon as possible. Minor issues can strain mechanical components, so waiting to call can increase the number of repairs needed and their associated costs.

Call Mesa Garage Doors

Our factory-trained repair technicians are ready to help with any garage door issue. Throughout Los Angeles, we’ve provided high-quality repair services since 1989. To receive prompt garage door repair and a free estimate, call Mesa Garage Doors at 714-980-4913 today.

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How to Open Your Garage Door Manually

how to open your garage door manually

If you have an automatic garage door, there are times you may need to open it manually. A power outage can disable the opener. Or, the motor may stop working. Nonetheless, you can still operate your garage door. At Mesa Garage Doors, we can fix any problem with the system. We’ll also tell you how to manually open your garage door, so you have access to your garage, your vehicle, and other contents.

Before using the built-in emergency device, make sure your garage door is closed. Then check the springs. If they’re worn out or broken, you won’t be able to lift the door. Trying to will be extremely dangerous. When it seems safe to proceed, follow these steps to open your garage door manually:

Unplug the Garage Door Opener

Make sure there’s no power to the mechanism. Even if the power is out, unplug the opener because, if the motor engages while the garage door is disconnected, significant damage could occur. Keep the garage door opener unplugged until the garage door is reconnected.

Use the Red Emergency Release Cord

The red rope near your garage door is attached to the trolley. When the door is closed, the rope should be at the front. Pulling firmly on the emergency release cord disconnects the trolley from the garage door opener carriage, which moves the door along the boom attached to the opener. Therefore, pulling the cord prevents the opener from moving the carriage, so the garage door can’t automatically open or close.

Lift the Garage Door

To raise the door, grab it from the bottom with both hands; lift it with your legs and not your back to avoid injury. The door should roll up with little effort. When lifting it, don’t be too forceful or the door can open too quickly, hit the top, and then spring back, hit the ground, and break apart. If the garage door feels too heavy or won’t move, there might be a broken spring, so call a professional immediately.

Close the Garage Door

Once you park your car inside or have left the garage, close the garage door by pulling it down, making sure it doesn’t slam against the ground. Closing it is strongly recommended. An open garage door is a security risk as it’s an easy access point for burglars. Safety is another concern. A strong wind can pull it down hard enough to cause damage and injure people nearby.

Reconnect the Garage Door Opener

Now that you understand how to open your garage door manually, here’s how to reconnect it. Once the power is restored or the issue is resolved, reconnect the trolley, enter the garage, and fully close the garage door. Then pull the emergency release cord down and toward the garage door opener (or, you may have to reach up and pull a lever atop the cord).

To reconnect the trolley, activate the garage door opener and let the trolley and carriage run a complete cycle. Both mechanisms will reconnect when they pass one another. You’ll hear a loud click when this happens. If the system still hasn’t reconnected, manually lift the door about one foot until you hear a click. 

To ensure the garage door is connected, use the remote control to open and close it.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

Knowing how to open your garage door manually can help in a few situations. In some cases, your garage door may need to be repaired. Mesa Garage Doors fixes all types and brands of residential garage doors in Southern California. We also specialize in installation, replacement, and maintenance. To request a repair or schedule a free estimate, contact us online or call 714-586-8943.

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Do I Need to Replace a Garage Door That Doesn’t Close All the Way?

Dealing with a garage door that doesn’t close all the way is an aggravating experience. It can leave your garage vulnerable to the elements and put your home’s security at risk. But do you have to invest in garage door replacement? Usually not; in fact, you can often fix the problem without a professional. There are also minor issues a pro can fix to get your garage door to close.

If the garage door stays partially open, try the following methods before calling a repair company:

  • Inspect the Photo Eye Sensors: Located near the floor on both sides, these sensors detect when children, pets, or obstructions block the door’s path. Clean the sensors if they’re dirty. If a sensor is blinking, loosen one and adjust its position until both are aligned and the light stays on.
  • Check the Tracks and Rollers: You can usually remove dirt or obstructions from the tracks. If a track is bent, use a hammer or clamps to force it back into position. Stuck rollers can be lubricated with white lithium or silicone-based grease. When a few are sticking, the garage door opener may react as if something is in the way.
  • Adjust the Limit Screws: If your garage door doesn’t close all the way, the limit screws may need to be adjusted. Contacts on the screws determine how far the garage door opens or closes. Using a ladder, reach for the rear flap or light cover on the garage door opener and open it. Adjust the two plastic screws (labeled “Up” and “Down”) a quarter turn at a time with a flat screwdriver.
  • Continue making adjustments until the door closes all the way. If the door bounces back up after closing, reverse the “Down” adjustment in small increments until it closes properly.
  • Inspect the Trolley: The trolley may have been left in bypass mode the last time you disengaged the opener, or someone could have triggered it by accident. You can fix this by pulling the hanging rope toward the door. The trolley latch should engage and the garage door opener should work normally.
  • Change the Remote Control Batteries: Dead batteries will prevent the remote from closing the door. If replacing the batteries doesn’t help, reprogram the remote. To do so, press the “Learn” button on the garage door opener and wait for a light to flash. Then press a button on the remote.
  • Lubricate Moving Parts: Aside from the rollers, lubricate other moving parts such as the hinges, screw or chain, springs, bearing plates, etc.
  • Tighten Loose Components: Screws and bolts can loosen due to vibration and cause misalignments in the garage door system. Tighten any loose hardware or fasteners you find.

When to Call a Repair Technician

If none of the above methods get your garage door to close all the way, pull down on the bypass rope to disengage the trolley. You should be able to close the door manually. To lock it, secure bolts through any built-in locking latches.

Your garage door may not need to be replaced. But it may need repairs if:

  • The safety sensors don’t work after adjusting them
  • An extension spring is broken
  • A cable is worn or damaged
  • A track is severely dented, misaligned, or twisted
  • The rollers appear bent, cracked, chipped, or loose
  • The door doesn’t stay in position when you test the door balance
  • The garage door shudders, rattles, or makes loud noises

Contact Us If Your Garage Door Doesn’t Close All the Way

Mesa Garage Doors can fix virtually any problem with your garage door. But if your garage door requires constant maintenance, is excessively noisy, responds more slowly, or lacks the efficiency and safety features of new garage doors, contact us to discuss garage door replacement. We will provide professional advice and a free estimate. To get started, call (714) 988-6883 or contact us online.

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What Should I Do About Rats in the Garage?

Finding rats in your garage, or evidence of them such as droppings, signs of gnawing, nesting materials, foul odors, or scratching/light thumbing sounds is never a delightful experience. Dead or alive, rats can carry diseases and be destructive. They can damage cardboard boxes, machinery, wiring, and vehicles. If you have rats in the garage, you must get rid of them and prevent them from coming back.

How to Get Rid of Rats

If your garage is already infested, here are some ways you can deal with the problem:

  • Set Traps: A snap trap captures a rat with a heavy-gauge steel bar as it steps on a trigger plate. When a rat steps on a glue trap, a strong adhesive prevents it from getting away. If there’s a single entry point, you can place a one-way exclusion funnel that prevents a rat from getting back in. You can also set traps outside the garage where they can lure rats outside or control them before they get inside.
  • Use Rat Poison: While it’s highly effective at killing and repelling rats, poison is not the best solution if you have kids or pets. Carefully consider if rat poison is the right option for your home and use it only out of reach of children and pets.
  • Get a Cat: Cats love to capture rats and are great at it. A cat or two will find a few. And being the intelligent creatures they are, rats will leave an area where they are in danger. But don’t leave out other methods of deterrence, prevention, or cleanup; nests, odors, and droppings will remain, increasing the risk of future infestations.

Calling a professional rat exterminator is another option. Their expertise and equipment can help fight off any type of infestation. An exterminator will determine how to eliminate the problem and avoid future issues. They’ll also clean up debris from rats and any residue from the extermination process.

Keeping Rats Away for Good

After you find rats in the garage and eliminate them, it’s time to take steps to keep them out. These are the most effective strategies for permanently rat-proofing your garage:

  • Seal Holes: Rats usually get inside through holes. Inspect the walls and garage door for these holes, fill them, and place caulking around the edges. If necessary, contact a local garage door repair company to seal any holes or cracks in door panels or spaces around the edges. 
  • Keep Food and Water Out: No food should be stored in the garage. No matter how well it’s sealed and packaged, rats can smell it anyway. They’re also always searching for water, which they need to survive. Avoid storing water here and fix any leaks right away.
  • Don’t Clutter the Garage: Clutter provides rats with shelter and hiding spots. If you have a lot of debris and unused belongings lying around, clean up your garage and store items neatly. This will make the environment unattractive to rats.
  • Use an Electronic Rat Deterrent: An ultrasonic device emits sound at a frequency humans can’t hear but that rats find irritating. It will make your garage an intolerable place to be for them.
  • Fill Holes: Rats may have used or created holes in the past. If you find new holes dug near your garage, fill them quickly. But make sure no rats remain. They won’t be able to leave and may die and decompose inside your garage.
  • Inspect the Attic: Many infestations start in the attic, especially if tree branches touch the structure. Trimming branches back can help prevent rats from reaching your home. Also, do what it takes to address the problem inside your garage.
  • Fix the Garage Door: Rats can chew through the rubber seal that weatherizes your garage door. This should be intact for many reasons. But if it’s degraded, rats can squeeze through it, so schedule garage door repairs whenever you find any issues.

Call Mesa Garage Doors If You Have Rats in the Garage

We can fix your garage door fast, whether it’s stuck, has a broken spring, or is off the track. Our team can also repair holes, cracks, and worn weatherstrips. Rats in garages often get there due to issues with your garage door system. We can resolve any damage and rat-proof your garage permanently. To schedule a free repair estimate, book service online or call (714) 613-0646.

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